FALLEN GIANTS: Top 12 Clubs that ONCE Ruled Europe but are now Almost Dead

UEFA Champions League is back on our screens tonight. The complete list of the last 8 teams will be known today when the teams play their final last 16-second leg matches. The fans will also need to know some history too. It is the reason why we want to remember Clubs that once ruled Europe. Today, we look at European/Champions League winners that declined.

5. Aston Villa & Others- 1 Trophy

English side Aston Villa joins Nottingham Forest in the list of European fallen giants. The Birmingham based club was relegated two seasons ago after many years in the Premier League. They are now trying to get back this season but the journey is tougher in that division.

Other European clubs that once lifted UEFA Champions League include; Feyenoord, Hamburg, PSV, Red Star Belgrade, Marseille, Celtic, and FC Steaua Bucharest. We hope one day they will return to the top and claim back their place.

4. FC Porto- 2 Trophies

Portuguese football once ruled European football but that is history now. FC Porto follows Benfica in the list. The last time they lifted a Champions League crown was 2004 when Jose Mourinho pulled off a miracle. They have been reduced to an academy for all top sides in Europe. The challenge is obviously crazy money flowing into the market these days.

3. Benfica- 2 Trophies

Benfica is still ruling Portuguese football today, however when it comes to European football, the last time they lifted a trophy is 1960–61, 1961–62 when they won UEFA Champions League. Like Ajax, the fallen giant has been reduced to an academy by the big boys in Europe. Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United among others buy their players every transfer window. There are reports that former Coach Bela Guttmann cursed them for sacking him despite delivering two European cups.